Cal Sabater: A gateway to the Empordà

Cal Sabater is a family-owned village house located at Plaça Major 7 in Bàscara, a town along the Fluvià River. It sits just a few kilometers from the Costa Brava, the eastern Pyrenees, and Northern Catalonia. The town has a rich historical and cultural heritage, much of which remains visible today.

Bàscara‘s history spans over 1,200 years, as the town’s name was first mentioned in a document from 817. During the medieval period, it was a feudal possession of the Bishop of Girona, along with its lands and people.

The Riera family has owned the house in Bàscara for the past two centuries. Cal Sabater is named after the trade of Agustí Riera i Soler, the grandfather of the current owner, who ran a shoe and espadrille shop until the 1960s on the ground floor directly overlooking the main square.

Albert and Anna, along with their children, Jordi and Martí, have transformed the house into a tourist accommodation, thoughtfully preserving its authentic character and retaining all the elements from the grandfather’s shoemaking trade.

Cal Sabater opened its doors in June 2024 with the goal of establishing Bàscara as a destination for quality residential tourism in the Empordà and Girona regions, the family says. “The focus is on providing a family-friendly atmosphere with an extra touch of comfort, ensuring that families and groups feel at home.”

“Additionally, the accommodation aims to cater to groups of cyclists, who are increasingly looking for modern, fully adapted, and versatile facilities near the major cycling routes in the Girona area. Thanks to its geographical location, Bàscara is an ideal base for starting cycling routes, both inland and along the coast, suited to the demands of this sport.”

“It has 5 double rooms, each with its own private bathroom, an integrated loft area that includes a kitchen, dining room, and living room, a multifunctional space for games or small gatherings, a swimming pool, a reading nook, and two large terraces. One of the highlights of the accommodation is the availability of a secure, enclosed area for safely storing bicycles.”

The most recent renovation has been very respectful of the house’s character, featuring a brick staircase with wood and an iron railing that has been preserved in its original appearance, adding personality and functionality to all the spaces.

Cal Sabater is a place to enjoy nature and the tranquility of a small town that is well-connected and has all the basic urban services. It’s the perfect place to disconnect, spend your holidays, and celebrate the moments life offers us. Come and experience it for yourself—you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

This story is part of Nafent Magazine volume 12. Read the full story in our digital or paper magazine. Go to our webshop to get yours.